Grafton Gazette
Last Day of School 2020
Grafton Village Elementary School
Email: _@staffordschools.net
Website: www.staffordschools.net/gves
Location: 501 Deacon Road, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
Phone: 5403735454
Twitter: @GVESGrizzlies
A message from the Principal
Friday, May 29
Dear Grizzly families,
It is hard to believe it, but we have reached the end of the 2019-2020 school year. While the last 9 weeks have not gone the way any of us had planned, we want to thank the families who stayed engaged with their teachers and distance learning activities. Seeing students work, hearing their stories, and connecting with them digitally was a gift to our staff members who missed seeing them face to face due to the school closure. While no plan is set for next year, I speak for all staff members when I say that we are eager to welcome all of our students back to the school.
While we have been away from the normal school routines for a long time, it is important to help provide your child with closure for the school year and kick off the official summer break. Our recent parades for students have been one way we have tried to aid with this transition and signal the official end of school. Elementary students have faced a great deal of uncertainty since March and often take their cues from the adults in their lives. To assist them in making sense of the end of the school year, here are some suggestions:
Watch this video of an end of year address from our Student Council President, Colin R. https://youtu.be/F3v2r8pwRjU
Take end of year school photos, either at home, or in front of the school
Have your child write or create a school memory page to remember meaningful moments from the school year.
Have you child send a farewell note, email, or video to their teachers (if you are unsure how to get such an item to the staff member, you can email it to me with their name included or mail it to the school; 501 Deacon Road Falmouth VA 22405)
Plan a fun activity (like making smores, hiking, fishing, etc.) to do with your child in the coming week to signify the start of summer
I want to also send a special farewell message to our 5th graders. You have been a wonderful class and we have enjoyed watching you learn and grow over the past 6 years. You are smart, spirited, and fun students and we know that your middle schools will be lucky to have you. We look forward to hearing about you as you continue to learn, grow, and make a difference in the world. We hope you will come back to visit us and can’t wait to see you at your Senior Walk at GVES in 2027!
In addition to wishing farewell to our departing 5th graders, we also have several staff members who are leaving GVES due to new teaching opportunities or a much deserved retirement. We send best wishes to Emmy Lieser who will be the new librarian at Colonial Forge High School this fall, Leah Jones- Roman who will be working as the speech pathologist at several SCPS middle and high schools, and Emily D’Amico who is moving with her family to Alaska. We also bid the fondest of farewells to our two retirees, cafeteria hostess Betty Weeks and fourth grade teacher Bette Ruppert. Both have provided decades of service, support, and commitment to GVES and our students. All of these fine educators will be missed!
To all of our families, we wish you continued health and hope to see you soon!
Be well!
Mike Sidebotham, Principal
Announcements and Resources
View the video summary of our 5th Grade vs Staff Kickball game here: https://youtu.be/YFAOsM9gWzU
A date to drop off library books, textbooks, classroom review binders and other items will be coming soon. We will send an email once the date is planned.
Chromebooks do not need to be returned until school resumes. Students can still use them for Dreambox, Lexia, and other tech related purposes.
If your family will be moving prior to the next school year, please email graftonvillageenrollment@staffordschools.net to let us know.
If you have not completed a parent input for placement for students who will be in 1st - 5th grade next year, here is the link: https://forms.gle/qWFnKtfsDDao2imR8